That was some prayer cloth First Lady Meagan Good was rocking at the BET Awards show.

Good left audiences aghast during her appearance at the BET Awards on Sunday, where she presented the award in the Best Gospel Artist category, wearing a revealing dress with a neckline down to her bell button. To put it lightly, the dress was a show-stopper. Mary Mary won the category but it was Good’s twins who would accept the award on the gospel duo’s behalf. It was obvious that Good wasn’t going to let values and opinions of what others think get in the way of an amazing look for the evening. And she even had the gumption to blow the television viewing audience a kiss and say, “blessings” before morphing back into the animated version of Jessica Rabbit and sashaying off the stage. Good certainly has the tongues waging and church fans waving from the normal righteous bunch from the front row, who felt the dress to be inappropriate. But who can blame them: Christians, nowadays, be mad sexi, yo.

And I’m not talking about the everyday Christian folks, who we know spend more time in the club than they do in Church. Those folks don’t even take themselves that serious. But I’m talking about the new worldly image of the truly devoted crowd. You know the sisters from back in the day that were all about buttoning that top button and honoring the long hem lines for Christ? Nowadays, those holy rollers are all about the push up bras, the short skirts; the fitted cuts and beat faces. There is no separation of church and state here as clearly these women have traded pearls for glam and the flash: hair did; nails did; everything did and done to the utmost of secular perfection.

And Good is no exception. For all intents and purposes, it appears that Good has been pretty conservative and otherwise consistent in all other religious practices. She has become the poster child for young Christian couples and have recently appeared on the cover and in the pages of Ebony Magazine to discuss the value of celibacy and virtuous Christian marriage to DeVon Franklin, the vice president of production for Columbia Pictures. But I too have noticed that, since publicly proclaiming (or reclaiming depending on whom you ask) her devotion to God and husband, it appears that the former star of the now cancelled Scandal rip-off “Deception,” has been amping up the sexi.

Prior to getting married, Good’s signature style was pretty low-key in t-shirts and tights – sometimes being photographed rocking the same pair in consecutive days. Now, she is all about strutting her stuff in glitzy performance lingerie during a performance as a Pussycat Doll in Las Vegas. In a later interview after her controversial pre-wedding and celibate performance, Good was quoting in saying, “God gave us these body parts, not to go and show everything to everyone, but it’s okay to be sexi and to be comfortable with your sexuality. And I think there’s kind of a line that gets blurred and I’m very bold about speaking out about it.”

It’s a solid message about women empowerment even within the Church – one that I (along with others) might be more receptive too if not for the fact that at least her husband, Franklin is a member and practicing minister of the Seventh-Day Adventists. In fact Franklin is so devoted to the church that he does not accept jobs if he is unable to observe the Sabbath. In my day, the SDA was one of the most restrictive Christian denominations in the community. Especially when it comes to women. Women were discouraged from wearing jewelry (including earrings and wedding bands) and encouraged to wear long skirts (to not confuse them with men). And despite some modernization, it appears by the church’s own website that it still believes in simplicity and modesty in dress and adornment. In fact among the church’s fundamental beliefs (number 22 to be exact) the church clearly says:

“We are called to be a godly people who think, feel, and act in harmony with the principles of heaven. For the Spirit to recreate in us the character of our Lord we involve ourselves only in those things which will produce Christlike purity, health, and joy in our lives. This means that our amusement and entertainment should meet the highest standards of Christian taste and beauty. While recognizing cultural differences, our dress is to be simple, modest, and neat, befitting those whose true beauty does not consist of outward adornment but in the imperishable ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit. It also means that because our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, we are to care for them intelligently. Along with adequate exercise and rest, we are to adopt the most healthful diet possible and abstain from the unclean foods identified in the Scriptures. Since alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and the irresponsible use of drugs and narcotics are harmful to our bodies, we are to abstain from them as well. Instead, we are to engage in whatever brings our thoughts and bodies into the discipline of Christ, who desires our wholesomeness, joy, and goodness. (Rom. 12:1, 2; 1 John 2:6; Eph. 5:1-21; Phil. 4:8; 2 Cor. 10:5; 6:14-7:1; 1 Peter 3:1-4; 1 Cor. 6:19, 20; 10:31; Lev. 11:1-47; 3 John 2.).”

In high school I recall going into the girls bathroom and walking directly into a menthol flavored smoke cloud form by number of girls smoking cigarettes. Unfortunately for our collective lungs, girls smoking in the bathroom wasn’t an unusual occurrence however what made this instance different was that two of the three smokers were all Muslim and covered in the traditional Hijab. I tried to hide my confusion, however their smoking cohort ended up asking them how they could smoke openly even as their religion prohibits it. To which one of the girls, a brown skinned sister with a raspy voice, responded, “Smoking is forbidden but as long as we wash our arms and hands, all will be forgiven.”

I share this story in hopes of illustrating how even among the devoted is a penchant to cherry-pick and find loopholes to justify things that are clearly frowned upon religiously. Good isn’t the first sexi first lady. The reality show, “The Sisterhood” had an entire storyline about a partying, sexi dressing wife of a pastor however I always got the impression that the character on the show felt smothered by both the religion’s expectations – as well as her husband. I wouldn’t go as far as to say that Good is not committed to her faith but you do have to wonder if her new overly sexi image is an attempt to carve out and/or maintain some sort of autonomy in beliefs which offer very little room for interpretation.

Comment Disclaimer: Comments that contain profane or derogatory language, video links or exceed 200 words will require approval by a moderator before appearing in the comment section. XOXO-MN

young afrique

she is very beautiful.

Deroy Matthews

I saw the dress and Im thinking ok what statement are you trying to portray.I know that it takes time to evolve from some of the things that we did in the past that we know in our hearts are either to risky or not worth doing anymore .Simply put it the dress draws to much attention to her breasts and its pretty clear to anyone that most have been the intent .We all have to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling and I think that when you are in the public eye you are expected to show yourself to a even higher standard because there are a lot of weak people saved or not that will look up to how she dresses and attempt to follow he foot steps .Im not saying here that she should dress like a Nun but there is always a way to dress with more on that could easily show off some curves without letting it all hang out .I pray that this morphing that she says she is going through helps her to dress with class and just a bit more respect for who she is and who she represents .If you say you are a Christian then there are just some things that conviction will tell you is too risky and not worth attempting .God Bless her and I pray she sees the light because everyone that sees her in this dress can see a whole lot more .

BBKing

She’s not a pastor’s wife. Her husband speaks at churches. Dassit.

JBUCK@YAHOO.COM

TOTALLY CLASSLESS AND VERY UNBECOMING OF A SUPPOSED GODLY WOMAN, LET ALONE A FIRST LADY OF ANYONE’S CONGREGATION. WE REALLY NEED TO DO BETTER AS A PEOPLE BECAUSE OUR MORALS AND VALUES HAVE GONE DOWN THE TOILET. THE PEOPLE AND ACTIONS WE CONTINUE TO MAKE EXCUSES FOR SAYS ALOT ABOUT THE STATE OF THIS WORLD AND THE ROAD WE ARE HEADING DOWN. JESUS SAVES – NOT THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ANYTHING!!!!!!

Draneice

Why was all caps necessary tho… We get it

Carter

I find it amazing when people publicly proclaim their religion as Christianity, and then don’t want to speak of religiosity as if it’s negative. I find that so backwards. If a politician, for example, says that he/she is against abortion laws, wouldn’t you expect him/her to vote accordingly?

Christianity is a religion. You spoke of religion first. If you’re a publicly proclaimed Christian (Megan Good or anyone else), then people expect you to follow the statutes of Christianity.

And contrary to popular belief, they don’t expect you to be perfect, meaning a life of no mistakes. But they do expect you to consciously not do things that are forbidden according to your proclaimed religion. It’s accountability 101.

This is coming from someone who is definitely not a religious person and who claims no religion.

appassionata

You GET it. Thank you. Thank you for not misapplying “don’t judge”; thank you for not bashing Christians as a whole.

You are exactly right; it’s NOT about being perfect–it IS about having standards. Believers are called to hold one another accountable (in love, not self-righteousness).

It is quite telling that an unbeliever has a greater understanding in this area than a self-proclaimed Christian; Ms. Good is attempting to defend herself and her choice of attire and is displaying a poor witness for Christ in the process.

jay robinson

great point! as soon as I begin to lose faith in people , I read something like this that gives me hope that all are not lost

clove8canela

All these people in glass houses throwing all these stones. If people were offended by her dress, for whatever reason, then own that, but don’t use Chrisitianity as a cloak. That’s what sickens me about the Christian community the most, far from Christ-like & always passing judgment on what is & is not acceptable for someone else to do. The church is supposed to be an open community for people who need to be saved; not ones already saved. And just because she wore a revealing dress, that makes her less Christian than everyone else? To that the “Christian” community needs to collectively get over themselves.

Diveta Cranford

To present a gospel award in a dress like that was tacky as hell. No I’m not hating..Megan Good is gorgeous but it makes her come off as a hoochie. Come on now would you wear some ish like that to church? I’m not saying she can’t dress how she wants to dress but she is married to a pastor and should have toned it waaaaaaay down. Obviously her husband was aight with it and that’s fine too but it makes you question his devotion to his calling. I believe Ms. Good is trying to stay relevant because her career surely isnt and sex ALWAYS sells….I’m giving her the side eye on this one.

Yolanda

Yet, on your own profile picture… nvm

RealTalk4Women

One word for her wearing that dress to present THAT particular award as somebody’s wife: Trifling.

Keels

Folks. She isn’t a first lady. The media is making her to be that.
Devon Franklin is not an ordained minister, nor is he the pastor of a church. He’s a Sony Executive who is also a spiritual motivational speaker whose main platform comes from the Bible. But that’s not as interesting as saying that she’s a first lady. So…

JaneDoe

Everyone has their own opinion of God and who he is.. This is my view.. We are called for a purpose and its to save souls for the kingdom of God.. You can’t witness to ppl looking like a street walker and call yourself a disciple.. Yes it is written to come as you are but when Christ lives in you you don’t remain as you are.

..

you win this discussion lol.

No but seriously. Most astute point I’ve read on this topic.

real

That man would not pastor me or my family. Period.
He’s not even attempting to hide his hypocrisy though, I’ll give him that

..

I think I’m more disturbed by the fact that women on this site are saying that an outfit which barely covered her protruding n ipples is tasteful and classy. And are saying it with a straight face.

Black women of this generation will never prosper.

appassionata

Thank you. That dress is in poor taste for ANY woman, regardless of her professed religion, her profession or whether she has a “hot” body. Neither does it matter that she was presenting a gospel music award. Exposing your breasts is not classy–never has been, never will be.

(And no, you don’t have to flaunt it just because you got it. That is a lie from the world and the devil.)

MTL LOVE

Many African tribes would disagree.
Breasts aren’t perceived as sexual by everyone.

Hello, Goodbye

In the infamous words of Mr. McDowell from “Coming to America”:

“we in America, jack”!!!

..

lol thank you, that was such a pointless comment.

jay robinson

well said, thank you.

Ce1999

I agree. Also– Meagan Good, as beautiful and shapely as she is, would have looked just as gorgeous with more coverage.

kickash

i doubt her husband had a problem with it. i saw pictures and his face looked quite happy to me. if you like it i love it. dont be ashamed of your body meagan!

mikki21

In this day and age, whats considered appropriate? I’m simple confused, I can’t even shop formy baby niece without running into an outfit that is similar to the one I wore in the club the other night. I feel for the event she was at, it was well put together.

RoseBudd

As a christian woman, I WOULDNT have worn it but that ME, meagan is grown and has to answer to the same God I do, so if she felt lead by the lord to wear that dress than so be it once again she has to answer to God for her actions and what they represent not man. Plus people will hate her this week and love her next. Like the bible says MAN IS FICKLE

NOT SURPRISED

H03 COSIGNED BY H03S-WHY AM I NOT SURPRISED?

..

took the words outta my mouth lol. Expecting classless females to see anything wrong with this dress is a lost cause.

Atin

This is all about religion. I don’t even think it’s about God. And people confuse being religious with spirituality, sadly. Some of the most disrespectful, mean-hearted, rude, wicked people are religious “Christians” and dress “conservative.” Who cares if her breast were out. It’s not like she was at church with the outfit on. And I’m sure God is more concerned about her character and inner spirit, NOT what she had on. Some religious people are the most critical and judgmental people, like they’re perfect. It’s really crazy how all the good things she’s done has been out shined by the dress she wore. She looked gorgeous, and I’m sure she has a gorgeous spirit.

Ebony in Hartford

Most of the women complaining AIN’T got no husband, pastor or otherwise. Too many generations of black women in the church have been BAMBOOZLED. That’s why they mad.

Candacey Doris

We’re still pretty restrictive in SDA churches! I still get dirty looks from some women if i go in there in slacks! And forget not wearing stockings/pantyhose. I thought i would be incinerated on the spot by the head deacon’s wife. She’s beautiful and maybe that’s what she likes to wear. I just hoe that she doesn’t feel pressure to look “Hollywood” glam even in church.

Alice Reid

This is a beautiful woman with a beautiful body, given to her by a loving God. Why shouldn’t she show it off, in a quite tasteful dress-by the way, at an event like that? You rock, Megan! Don’t let the envious slow your roll. Peace.

Trollolol

“This is a beautiful woman with a beautiful body…Why shouldn’t she show it off”

#HoMentality101

Alice Reid

Trollopolol:
When one has nothing constructive to add to a debate, he/she – because of intellectual limitations – resorts to ad hominem retorts. Next time, please try to keep up. Peace.

Trollolol

they see me trollinnn, they haaating

MTL LOVE

Given to her by God? Meagan Good paid for those tiddees. They were given to her by Doctor 90210.

MTL LOVE

Given to her by God? Meagan Good paid for those tiddees. They were given to her by Doctor 90210.

Laverne

This article is ridiculous…..I guess somewhere in there, there is a point. I think the overall message that everyone was saying is that she looked great (obviously) but as a pastor’s wife presenting a christian award…it was poor taste. I am not dumb enough to believe that Megan Good did not do this on purpose…she knew she would be making tongues flap!

greentea516

It was the BET Awards, not the BET Celebration of Gospel. She’s still an actress who has to get publicity and roles, so she had a right to wear whatever she wanted. Her husband was there with her so he apparently cosigned her going out the house like that too. It’s a branding thing for Good; plus there were plenty of Christian women there who had on outfits that would be considered inappropriate, so Meagan was the scapegoat bc her look was more extreme. Live by the convictions God gives you, not people’s.

Laine

Yes she’s christian,…but not because her husband is a 7th Day adventist, does that make her one too. Plus, I think this was just a publicity stunt. Nothing celebrities do these days is authentic.

Taiwo Al

lol. gospel folk lol…..she isnt interested obviously.

JR

You have to know your audience and be aware of your surroundings. You wouldn’t go to a parent-teacher conference looking like that. You wouldn’t go to an actual church looking like that. There’s a time and place for everything, simply. This wasn’t it for that outfit.

sb

She was stunning in that dress. EBT should have rearranged what category she was going to present. However, it’s an awards show and she was not representing the category the was presenting. She was pretty much announcing the nominees. EBT should have gotten GOSPEL artist to do that anyway. She is not a preacher, her husband is. If it was okay with him, then fine. He knew people could look but not touch.

anonymouse

BET

cryssi

She looked amazing, absolutely gorgeous….but presenting a gospel award with your tatas at the forefront is not appropriate. Time and place for everything…..again she was beautiful, but if she is ever asked to present a gospel award again, let the dress, the face, the hair, and your words do the talking….not your boobies

bigdede

I so agree that there is a time and place for everything. But as the wife of one of the leaders of the congregation, she has to really watch what she does. She has to consider 1 Cor. 8:9,10. She could easily stumble some members of her congregation. She decided to put herself in the position to be a leader in the congregation by marrying into it so she really needs to watch what she does. It is odd though that she has vamped up her imagine AFTER becoming a Christian.